Criminal Justice Certificate Programs in Tempe, AZ

Students in the Tempe, Arizona, area are fortunate to have several criminal justice schools within 20 miles of the city center. Learn about the certificate program requirements at three colleges to help you find the one that best fits your educational goals.

Tempe Criminal Justice Schools

Aspiring criminal justice professionals in Tempe, AZ, will find that several schools offer academic programs in this field. Check out the table that contains stats on three colleges, and then take some time to explore the offerings and requirements at the institutions. There's also some information on a couple of other area schools that might be worth considering.

At Chandler-Gilbert Community College, students can earn a justice studies certificate while preparing for peace officer certification. The campus is around 19 miles from Tempe's downtown area.

Students looking for more variety might consider Mesa Community College. This school, located around seven miles from central Tempe, offers certificate programs in police science and judicial studies.

At just about three miles away, Rio Salado College is the closest school to downtown Tempe that features a certificate program in this field.

Find schools that offer these popular programs

Corrections Admin

Corrections, Probation, and Parole

Criminal Justice and Safety Studies

Criminal Science

Forensic Science

Juvenile Corrections

Law Enforcement Administration

Police Science and Law Enforcement

Securities Services Mgmt

Security and Theft Prevention Services

More Programs

Comparison of Schools

Learn more about each of the three schools by glancing over the following table. It offers details on campus environments, costs, graduation rates and other factors that just may influence your choice on where to study criminal justice.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Mesa Community College

Rio Salado College

School Type

2-year, public

2-year, public

2-year, public

Total Enrollment (2014)

14,500*

22,711*

20,215*

Campus Setting

Large suburb

Large city

Midsize city

Tuition and Fees (2015-2016)

$2,046 in-state; $7,830 out-of-state*

$2,046 in-state; $7,830 out-of-state*

$2,046 in-state; $7,830 out-of-state*

% of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Aid (2013-2014)

65%*

71%*

91%*

Acceptance Rate (2016)

Open admissions

Open admissions

Open admissions

Retention Rate (2014)

63% for full-time students*

59% for full-time students*

25% for full-time students*

Graduation Rate (Students began in 2011)

20%*

14%*

4%*

Sources: *College Navigator, National Center for Education Statistics

Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Chandler-Gilbert Community College's justice studies certificate and degree programs are for students interested in law enforcement or corrections careers. Training provides them with a broad overview of the criminal justice system.

Certificate of Completion in Justice Studies

This 18-credit-hour program introduces students to landmark court cases, correctional theories and the role of law enforcement agencies. Students also learn to analyze cases according to current state law and interact appropriately with criminal offenders. The curriculum includes courses in criminal investigations, police functions, juvenile justice procedures and criminal law.

Mesa Community College

Mesa Community College offers multiple criminal justice certificate and associate's degree programs. These programs are designed for individuals aspiring to work in the law enforcement, corrections or judicial fields.

Certificate of Completion in Police Science

This program is for students who would like to pursue police academy training after graduation. Courses cover methods for using firearms, conducting criminal investigations and writing reports. Other topics of study cover law enforcement trends, methods for resolving conflicts and victimology.

Certificate of Completion in Judicial Studies

This program requires 15 credit hours of study. Courses cover such topics as the role of court staff and techniques for organizing court personnel. Students also learn how injunctive orders, appeals and alternative dispute resolutions are processed.

Rio Salado College

Courses in Rio Salado College's law enforcement technology program are offered six times a year. The college features an entry-level certificate program as well as continuing education opportunities for law enforcement professionals already working in the field.

Other Schools

Scottsdale Community College is located about ten miles from downtown Tempe and offers certificates of completion in police science, justice studies, crime scene investigation and crime scene technology. It also offers a certificate program to students preparing to enter a police academy. Alternately, Phoenix College offers a Certificate of Completion in the Administration of Justice. This school is situated approximately 13 miles from Tempe.